Day |
Port |
| 1 |
Vancouver, B.C.
You have been dreaming of this vacation with anticipation. Your five-star vessel boasts fewer passengers, larger staterooms and more space than any other in Alaska. Today you will notice this refined elegance as you sail under the Lion's Gate Bridge and enter the scenic wonders of the Inside Passage. |
| 2 |
Inside Passage scenic cruising
|
| 3 |
Ketchikan, Alaska
Besides the main attractions - Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village - there's one other thing we highly recommend you do - a flightseeing trip to breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument is essential. |
| 4 |
Juneau, Alaska
Today, explore the lush Tongass National Forest or visit the rustic shops in town. History buffs can browse the Alaska State Museum. You'll have the day to explore Mendenhall Glacier or go whale watching, fishing or even dogsledding on a glacier! |
| 5 |
Skagway, Alaska
This home of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and today we recommend that you board the nostalgic 108-year-old White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Recount the trials and tribulations of the gold seekers who packed their outfits over this rugged terrain back in 1898. Your ship will linger until late evening so you'll have ample time to fully explore this living museum of the gold rush. |
| 6 |
Glacier Bay National Park
This is Alaska's number-one Glacier experience. Cruise from the Reid and Lamplugh glaciers to the mighty Johns Hopkins - surrounded by rugged peaks and sheltering a seal pupping ground. Linger for a full hour at the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers while a National Park Service Ranger shares insights into the park's history and wildlife. And a Huna Totem native speaker will join the ship to impart the legend and lore of this sacred place. |
| 7 |
College Fjord Scenic Cruising
After a relaxing morning at sea, enter Prince William Sound to the only place in Alaska that surrounds you on all sides with flowing rivers of ice, named after the leading Ivy League colleges. |
| 8 |
Seward/Anchorage/Fairbanks
This morning is yours to explore (lunch is served aboard your Holland America ship). Nestled on the shores of Resurrection Bay and backed by towering Mt. Marathon, the downtown district of Seward invites you to stroll and shop. Then, step aboard a luxury motor coach to begin your land-based Alaska adventure. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery along the Seward Highway , an Alaska Scenic Byway. Watch for nesting birds in Potter's Marsh and Beluga Whales along Turnagain Arm as you approach Alaska's largest city. From Anchorage, fly to Fairbanks where you'll spend your first night at your downtown hotel. |
| 9 |
Fairbanks
Your EXTRA DAY in Fairbanks offers numerous adventures - lunch included. Start your adventure on a cruise aboard the sternwheeler Discovery III. You'll watch a bush pilot demonstration and meet Susan Butcher of Iditarod fame, or members of her family, at her sled dog kennel. At Gold Dredge No. 8, you'll browse the mining exhibits and pan for gold during your informative tour. Enjoy a second night's stay in Fairbanks. |
| 10 |
Fairbanks/Denali National Park
Today you'll board the McKinley Explorer , the largest domed railcars on the historic Alaska Railroad route, an Alaska Scenic Byway. Sit back and relax in the observation lounge and watch magnificent scenery glide by. Upon arrival at Denali National Park , transfer to the finest lodge . This afternoon, prepare for your official Natural History Tour . Traveling 19 miles along the Park Road, you'll learn about this unspoiled ecosystem - one of the earth's last great wildernesses. |
| 11 |
Denali/Anchorage
Wake up to views of Mt. Healy and the Nenana River. Take the morning to enjoy an espresso by the fire in the Great Room. Browse the wildlife exhibits and shops. Take a stroll along the river-view trail . Then re-board the McKinley Explorer for lunch and dinner (optional). You'll arrive in Anchorage this evening and check into your downtown hotel. |
| 12 |
Transfer to the Anchorage Airport. Tour ends. |
